- Providence Swedish is home toa first-of-its-kind hypertension clinic dedicated to helpin patients with complex or uncontrolled hypertension manage their condition.
- Hypertension affects an estimated 116 million people and can lead to cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease or death.
- The clinic was made possible with through generous philanthropic support.
The clinic was created thanks to the generous support of the John L. Locke Jr. Charitable Trust, which has a long legacy of supporting acute cardiac services and cardiovascular programs at Providence Swedish.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects approximately 116 million adults in the United States and is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. When left untreated, hypertension can lead to cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, and chronic kidney disease.
“We are trying to understand the barriers to health care. We get to know our patients and help build trust to improve outcomes, especially for underserved communities who are greatly impacted by hypertension.”
— Zheryl Sounthala, D.N.P.
When patients are referred to Providence Swedish’s Hypertension Clinic, they’re typically already on three or more blood pressure medications and have not been able to control their hypertension for six or more months.
“Hypertension is very complex,” explains Sounthala, a board-certified hypertension clinician who serves as the program director. “It requires a lot of patient collaboration, more than can be covered in a typical 20-minute visit.”
The main goal of this unique clinic is to help patients with medication management, lifestyle adjustments, and access to clinical research trials and innovative new procedures.
Some patients may not be taking their medication due to adverse side effects, so the clinic's team will work with them to help find more manageable alternatives. Others might not be able to improve their diet or travel to medical appointments.
“We are trying to understand the barriers to health care,” Sounthala says. “We get to know our patients and help build trust to improve outcomes, especially for underserved communities who are greatly impacted by hypertension.”
Another advantage of the clinic’s approach is the close access to ongoing clinical trials at Providence Swedish, particularly for a minimally invasive procedure called renal denervation. Using ultrasound or radiofrequency, this catheter-based procedure weakens renal nerves that cause hypertension. After a three-year period, patients are able to maintain improvements in their blood pressure.
Outside of the clinic, Sounthala says she and the team still aim to give back to the community through free health events. Offering blood pressure screenings, free blood pressure cuffs, and educational materials can go a long way to paying forward the gift that started it all.
“We received this generous fund from the Locke Trust,” she says. “Being involved in the community is my way of giving back — it’s my way of showing my gratitude for this opportunity.”
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
The team of specialists at the Providence Swedish Heart & Vascular Institute has access to the latest treatments and technology and the expertise to know how to use it safely and effectively. Call 206-320-4100 to learn more about the vascular care we offer.
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician. You can also connect virtually with your doctor to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual, you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
Additional resources
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Are you at risk for heart disease? Take this short quiz to learn more.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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